Over the weekend, New Zealand’s rising stars Avalon Lewis and Billee Fuller took on the legendary TT Circuit Assen in the Netherlands, flying the Carl Cox Motorsport flag high in Round 2 of the FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship (WorldWCR).
In a fiercely competitive field and under dry conditions across both 12-lap races, the Kiwi duo showcased their grit, pace, and determination—each carving out moments of brilliance on the historic Dutch tarmac.
Race 1: Lewis On the Cusp, Fuller Battles Through:
Saturday’s opening race saw Avalon Lewis deliver one of her strongest performances to date, locking into the lead group and holding firm against seasoned frontrunners. Lewis came heartbreakingly close to a maiden WorldWCR podium, eventually crossing the line in 4th after a high-stakes scrap with Spain’s elite.
Maria Herrera won Race 1, claiming a commanding victory ahead of Beatriz Neila and Sara Sanchez in an all-Spanish top three.
Billee Fuller, making only her second WorldWCR appearance, continued to find her feet in the ultra-competitive international field. The young Kiwi showed solid progress and racecraft to bring her Carl Cox-prepared machine home in 19th.
Race 2: Lewis’s Charge Ends in Heartbreak, Fuller Pushes Through:
Sunday brought drama and disappointment in equal measure for Lewis, who was again in the mix for a podium result. Locked in a four-bike battle for 3rd and 4th and 17 seconds clear of the chasing pack, Lewis looked poised for another top finish—until disaster struck on the final corner of the final lap. A crash at Turn 17 ended her race abruptly, denying her what could’ve been a career-best result.
“It was a great race running with the lead pack until I lost a bit of time on the last lap and wanted to catch up as close as possible again to ensure that if either of the top 3 made a mistake in the final chicane, I would be right there to take advantage of it,” said Lewis
“Unfortunately, I lost the front into the chicane myself. I’m ok, the bike’s ok, and we will come back even stronger.
“It was awesome to battle with the front group for the entire race, and I know where I can improve even more in the upcoming rounds.”
Despite the heartbreak, her pace and tenacity throughout the weekend confirmed her as a serious contender in the 2025 WorldWCR title fight.
Meanwhile, Fuller kept her head down and continued gaining valuable experience, finishing 21st in Race 2. The learning curve remains steep, but the Kiwi teen continues to take strides forward with every outing.
“I couldn’t click with the bike here, and this track is just nothing like I’ve ever ridden before, which I found a challenge. I’m excited for Round 2 at Cremona in a couple of weekends’ time, as I know I ride well there,” said Fuller
Beatriz Neila turned the tables in Race 2, claiming victory over Herrera and Sanchez in another Spanish-dominated podium.
While the final results don’t tell the whole story, the Carl Cox Motorsport-backed Kiwis left Assen with heads held high. Lewis proved she has the raw speed and racecraft to fight with the best in the world, while Fuller continued to absorb crucial race mileage that will serve her well as the season unfolds.
With Round 3 coming up on the 2-4 May at the Cremona Circuit in Italy, the stage is set for more Kiwi thunder in the WorldWCR.
Header Image: Avalon Biddle (Lewis) Racing
